Darryl Walker lodged his first win of the season at the HSI/Connolly’s Red Mills Spring Tour in Cavan Equestrian last Sunday. Riding Manuella Martinelli’s nine-year-old Flexible-sired mare Cushions, he lodged the winning round in 44.18 seconds.

“This was my first show of the season as I was out of action due to a back operation, which I underwent in December. I feel a lot better in myself now and this was a perfect way to kick-start the year,” said Walker.

“I have been riding the mare for about a year and a half, and she was very consistent in the aged classes and more recently at Grand Prix level. This year she has come back strong and the ground work has paid off. She took the turn-backs with ease today and this with a forward going pace was enough to win the class.”

Cushions, out of the Flagmount Diamond mare Ard Flo, was bred by Catherine and Edward Doyle, Kildare, and was previously campaigned by Edward Doyle with much success.

Former Pony European individual gold and bronze medallist, Susan Fitzpatrick, proved that she has what it takes to compete in the senior arena. Riding Cavalino, she was fractions behind Walker as she crossed the line in 44.76 to take the runner-up prize along with the leading young rider of the round. Jordan Coyle riding VDL Cassius took third place with 44.86. Last week’s winner Catherine Thornton and Derryinver Luxury Cruise were fourth in 45.03. Roisin Fagan lodged a clear with Ikan in 45.33 for fifth. Kilkenny young rider Anna Carway delivered an all-important clear with Ajaccio in 46.53 that saw her finish behind Fagan in the line-up. Although Tipperary rider, Liam O’Meara failed to collect any points in this round, he still tops the overall leader board on 50 points, with Catherine Thornton and Sean Kavanagh jointly occupying second place on 26 points.